Stryker Corporation is facing major public criticism after their Stryker Neptune suction system allegedly killed one patient and seriously injured another. The Stryker Neptune death occurred in 2012, after the system’s components reportedly malfunctioned during a lung removal surgery.

According to the incident report, the Neptune Waste Management System was attached to the chest tube at the time of the lung removal surgery. The device allegedly pulled the heart out of its position and caused an aortic tear.

Stryker issued a Class I Recall of the Neptune 1 Silver and Neptune 2 Ultra Waste Management Systems in 2012. The company warned that the device was linked to:

• Hemorrhaging
• Damage of SoftTissue, Muscle, and Organ Damage
• Serious Injury or Death

The recall was also issued due to injury reports submitted to the FDA, with some cases resulting in Stryker Neptune death. These reports were reportedly submitted as early as August 2010, but Stryker Corporation allegedly failed to notify the medical community until 2012.

The FDA then initiated the recall of the Neptune 1 and Neptune 2 devices on Oct. 5, 2012. Stryker issued its own recall just several weeks later. However, the FDA later indicated that it had received additional reports of Stryker Neptune death in 2013, along with other deaths allegedly caused by different Stryker medical products.

The FDA warned that “the patient death and injury reports indicate that the high-flow, high-suction vacuum had been incorrectly applied and were associated with users of the device who had not been properly trained on how to use the device.”

Overview of Stryker Neptune Complications

The Stryker Neptune surgical waste management device is a high power mobile vacuum device that collects surgical fluid waste that builds up in operating rooms and other surgical areas. These devices can also remove any smoke emitting from any electric surgical tools, like when used during laser surgery.

These devices are meant to prevent patients and medical professionals from being exposed to dangerous waste substances, but they can cause major damage when not used properly. According to FDA’s warning regarding Stryker Neptune death, the patient died allegedly due to the vacuum being improperly applied and the device’s safety instructions were not followed.

Both the FDA and Stryker Corporation warned that Stryker Neptune death is a significant possibility, along with significant injury, if these instructions are not followed. To prevent further incident, Stryker Corporation has recalled the Neptune 1 Silver and Neptune 2 Ultra.

However, this does not help patients who have already suffered Stryker Neptune complications. Patients who suffered Stryker Neptune complications may be eligible to file legal action and may benefit from a consultation with a knowledgeable medical device lawyer.